Starc’s Dominance in Ashes Test: England All Out for 172 in First Innings

Staff Report, PNN

In the first day of the Ashes Test series between England and Australia, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc showcased his dominance. At Perth Stadium on Friday, Starc took 7 wickets, bowling England out for just 172 in their first innings.

Starc struck early, dismissing Jack Crawley in the first over, and later took the wickets of Ben Duckett and Joe Root, reaching a historic milestone—his 100th wicket in Ashes matches. He became the 13th Australian bowler to achieve this feat.

With 100 wickets in 43 innings at an average of 26.79 and a strike rate of 45, Starc ranks among Australia’s most successful fast bowlers. Glenn McGrath remains the top Ashes fast bowler with 157 wickets.

England’s batsmen could not build large scores against Starc’s fiery bowling. Harry Brook scored 52 off 61 balls, Ollie Pope made 46, and Jamie Smith contributed 33.

Starc’s remarkable spell—7 wickets for 58 runs in 12.5 overs out of a total 32.5 overs—gave Australia a significant advantage in the first innings.